Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Phoenix is 20% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,458/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 14%
$77,041/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 9%
$381,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 44%
$1,430/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 18%
1,624,832
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $6,557/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $6,557/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Fort Collins details →

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